The fire that damaged two houses on First Street in Cedarhurst on March 16 was allegedly set by a man who is charged with attempted murder and several other charges after he argued with his parents and allegedly stabbed his father several times, police said.

Brian Alejo, 21, of Oakland Avenue, Cedarhurst, argued with his parents and attacked his father with an edged weapon, resulting in the man suffering multiple stab wounds, according to police. Alejo then allegedly struck his mother with a closed fist before leaving the house on foot before the police got to the home. Both parents were taken to a local hospital and treated for their wounds.

He then hid in the garage of a house on First Street for several hours, police said. Alejo then allegedly started a fire and left the scene as the blaze engulfed the home at 579 First Street and damaged the house on the right.

Nassau County police and Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department Chief James McHugh said the fire call came in at 6:30 a.m. “There was heavy fire to the first house, a two and half story house, and exposure to the second house,” McHugh said.

The home at 579 First Street was severely damaged, while the other house had minor damage, McHugh said, adding one police officer suffered a minor injury. All the residents got out of the homes safely.

Alejo turned himself in at the Fourth Precinct in Hewlett. While under arrest, he attempted to escape custody and had to be restrained by several officers, police said. He is charged with attempted murder second-degree, assault first-degree, assault third-degree, arson second-degree, arson fourth-degree, criminal possession of a weapon fourth-degree and attempted escape first-degree.

He was remanded and the court ordered a temporary order of protection for his parents. Alejo’s next court appearance is March 20.

Along with the LCFD, Elmont, Hewlett, Long Beach and Woodmere fire departments also responded to the scene.